Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Adult Education.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

18 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to concerns that those availing of adult education may find themselves segregated from the mainstream education process; the proposals, if any she has to integrate adult education into the mainstream planning processes of schools and colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10265/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that the strong view of many of those involved in the provision of adult education is that it should be treated as an integral part of the education system. I share that objective. The White Paper on Education states that "adult education and training will be an integral part of the framework for the future development of education".

The objective of integration will be assisted by the establishment of the Further Education Authority which will provide a coherent national development framework for adult and continuing education. The Authority will ensure that each education board has arrangements in place for the development of adult education in line with identified needs. The Authority and the education boards will encourage a wider range of second level schools to provide programmes and activities in this area.

The measures will promote the integration of adult and continuing education into mainstream education.

In addition, the White Paper explicitly provides that an important consideration in the future approach to adult education policy will involve "the integration by schools and colleges of adult education into their mainstream planning processes and the affording of a status to adult education commensurate with its importance". It also states that learning is a lifelong process and that it should build on the foundation of formal schooling and in this way is, of course, an integral part of the education system.